What's Happening?
Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) has launched the 2026 Women on Agricultural Boards program, following the success of its 2025 pilot. The program aims to enhance gender representation and leadership in agriculture by providing governance training,
mentoring, and board-readiness support. The 2026 intake has received over 160 applications from across rural, regional, and remote Australia, indicating a strong interest in increasing female participation in agricultural governance. AWiA President Cressida Cains highlighted the momentum created by the pilot and the recognition of women's value in agricultural governance. The program is designed to prepare women for board roles at local, state, and national levels, with a focus on diverse leadership to strengthen decision-making.
Why It's Important?
The launch of the 2026 Women on Agricultural Boards program is significant as it addresses the gender imbalance in agricultural leadership roles. By equipping women with the necessary skills and confidence to serve on boards, the program aims to enhance decision-making processes within the industry. This initiative not only empowers women but also contributes to the broader goal of achieving gender equality in leadership positions. The program's success could inspire similar initiatives in other sectors, promoting diversity and inclusion across various industries. Additionally, the involvement of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and AgriFutures Australia underscores the importance of government and industry support in driving such transformative changes.
What's Next?
The 2026 program has already commenced, with twelve women in the top-tier board-ready cohort and 50 in the second-tier board pathways cohort. As the program progresses, participants will undergo targeted training and mentoring to prepare them for board appointments. The success of this program could lead to increased visibility and opportunities for women in agriculture, potentially influencing policy changes and encouraging other sectors to adopt similar initiatives. Stakeholders, including industry leaders and policymakers, will likely monitor the program's outcomes to assess its impact on gender representation and leadership diversity in agriculture.
